You might be wondering: is building a loft ladder easy? If so, the answer is yes. To find out more about it, click here!
Did you know that there are 500,000 falls from ladders every year? To avoid this, you’ll want a ladder that’s sturdy and secure in your home.
In this article, explore why building a loft ladder is easy and how you can do it yourself! Read on to discover the ease of these ladders, and make getting to your loft that much easier.
What Is a Tiny Home Loft?
A loft is a room underneath the roof of your home. They can be found in commercial or residential properties. If you decide to go with a tiny home, it can help save on your budget and future purchases.
Having a loft in your tiny home will allow you to have the entire downstairs open, and sleep upstairs.
Supplies and Tools for Building a Loft Ladder
You’ll need a jigsaw, a speed square, a drill, a pencil, a radial-arm saw, and a circular saw. You’ll also need material for the stairs and ladder frame. Have plenty of wood screws and pine or quarter round oak.
Measuring the Distance
Before beginning, you’ll want to determine the distance from the ground to the loft. After you’re done measuring it, you’ll want to add 12 inches to the measurement. You can then trim 2×4 wood.
Or, you can use a radial-arm saw on the right side, and have it locked to 15 degrees to trim the wood. Make sure that you don’t lose the length of the wood as you go.
At the end of both pieces, you’ll want to measure the sharp point. This is when you’ll make a mark that’s 12 inches from the top of the pieces. Then, you’ll measure the distance between the notches.
For every rung, you’ll want to measure 12 inches. Each rung is about 1 1/2 inches. Put one of the 2×4’s onto the bed of the saw. Have the sharp point face the fence. You’ll want to cut notches at each mark.
Building a Ladder for a Loft
As you go, keep in mind that while the rungs are on every notch, you’ll want their length to be about 10.5 inches. For example, if your ladder is 8 feet, you’ll want 7 rungs about 10.5 inches apart.
As you work, you want to imagine yourself stepping off the ladder. Your best bet is to make the last ladder step below the loft cutout lip.
Next, you’ll want to measure the distance that’s between the first and last steps. This will show you where the other steps will be placed.
Cutting Rounds
Cut 5″ supports from the quarter round. You’ll need to drill pilot holes in the quarter round. Then, you’ll place them into the ladder frame with the wood screws. You can then add screws to each step on the ladder frame.
Why Have a Loft in Your Tiny Home?
While you can use a loft in your home for a bedroom, for the elderly or handicapped it’s not the best option. Instead, you can decide to move your bedroom to the main floor, and use the loft as a living room.
It can also be a children’s play area, office, or even extra storage. Without a loft in your tiny home, you’re missing out on extra storage by going vertical.
Remember that since tiny homes are short on space, your best option is to go vertically.
The Different Types of Loft Ladders
There are many different types of loft ladders, from wood to aluminum. If you decide to go with a folding loft ladder, they’re a popular option since they’re simplistic.
Folding loft ladders give you the option of folding them up when they’re not in use. Another simplistic option is a sliding loft ladder. These are great when you’re only accessing your loft a few times a year.
You can often find them made with aluminum. Keep in mind that if you’re short on storage, they might not be an ideal choice.
If you’re into a more high-tech look, consider telescopic loft ladders. They don’t require much space for storage. They’re great for an appealing look and easy access to your loft.
Electric loft ladders come in 2 ways, fully electric or semi-automatic. They’re operated using a remote control.
Loft Ideas
Keep in mind that not all lofts will be the same when it comes to functionality and design. For a rustic look in your loft, consider wood for the roof, and white paint all around. You can even add in a skylight.
For a bright look to your loft, make sure that you have plenty of windows and skylights. Also, incorporate wood flooring into the loft. To maximize space, consider having ceiling lights instead of lights on the flooring.
If you don’t want a tiny loft bedroom, why not consider having your loft go across most of the home? You can have a bedroom as big as a standard room. Have ceiling lights throughout to maximize on the size.
For multiple bedrooms, you can consider having multiple lofts in your home. If you’re looking to expand later, you can always combine tiny homes together. Ideally, your loft’s height should be about 3-4 feet.
If you decide you want a bigger home, make sure that you have tall ceilings in your tiny home to make use of vertical rooms.
Tips on Building a Loft Ladder
Now that you’ve explored tips on building a loft ladder you should be well on your way to having the perfect ladder. Looking for more DIY tips around the home?
Check out our other articles today for everything from design inspiration to building the perfect backyard hut.
